Devil's Lake (Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devil's Lake |
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 Devil's Lake
Location in Wisconsin
Devil's Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sauk County, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 43°25′05″N 89°43′55″W / 43.41806°N 89.73194°W |
| Type | Endorheic lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 369 acres (149 ha) |
| Max. depth | 47 ft (14 m) |
Devil's Lake is a beautiful lake located in Sauk County, Wisconsin, USA. It sits about two miles south of Baraboo, Wisconsin. This lake is special because it doesn't have any rivers flowing into it or out of it on the surface. Scientists think its water might drain away through underground channels.
Devil's Lake is a major attraction within Devil's Lake State Park. It's a super popular spot for fun activities. People love to go boating, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing here.
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What's in a Name? The Story of Devil's Lake
Devil's Lake got its name because it's in a very deep valley. This valley has no clear rivers flowing in or out. The name "Devil's Lake" actually comes from a misunderstanding. The local Ho-Chunk people had a different name for it.
Ho-Chunk Name: Sacred or Spirit Lake
The Ho-Chunk name for the lake was Tawacunchukdah or Da-wa-kah-char-gra. This name means "Sacred Lake" or "Spirit Lake." The lake was very important in the Ho-Chunk people's oral history. They often heard the voices of spirits during their celebrations there.
How Devil's Lake Was Formed
Devil's Lake has an amazing history that goes back to the last ice age. Long ago, this area was a deep gorge. The Wisconsin River used to flow through it.
The Glacier's Role in Shaping the Lake
During the last ice age, a huge sheet of ice, called a glacier, moved through the area. This glacier blocked the river's path. It left behind piles of rock and dirt, called a terminal moraine. This moraine acted like a natural dam.
A New River Path and a New Lake
Another moraine was left at the north end of the lake. The Wisconsin River had to find a new path around the hills. This left the old river gorge trapped between the two moraines. Over time, this part of the gorge filled with water, creating Devil's Lake as we know it today.
Images for kids
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The terminal moraine stretching across the former river gorge in Devil's Lake State Park
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View of the Northern shore of Devil's Lake
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View of Devil's Lake from a break in the trees on the hill.
